You will need the drive and commitment to work with children and young people aged 12 to 18.

As a youth justice worker you must complete the first two modules of the Youth Justice Foundation degree. You will be fully funded to continue your studies to complete this degree.

You will learn the theory of child development to understand children and young people’s behaviours, and the all too often emotional pain and trauma behind them.

You will learn how your approach and personal interactions can make a big difference in the lives of children and young people.

How studies help you at work every day

Your pay depends on your location and reflects the fact that you will have to work a shift pattern which includes unsocial hours. You may also have opportunities to work additional paid hours.

You will start on a 37 hour contract until your initial training is complete. After this you can choose to increase your hours to 39 or 41 hours a week.

Example salary for a 39 hour week
(including 17% unsocial hours allowance)

• 25 days of annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of service)
• paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
• Civil Service pension of up to 20% of your salary
• childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

You will begin your career with 12 weeks of training.

Weeks 2 to 12 are spent on Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) specialising in working with children and young people in custody.

This training ensures you are fully equipped and ready for an operational role. You will learn:

• how to de-escalate situations, and, if necessary, safely restrain children and young people using Managing & Minimising Physical Restraint (MMPR) techniques
• all aspects of working in youth custody from security to policy
• practical skills – whether that be locking doors or de-escalating an incident – with support from trainers
• youth specific interventions including motivational interviewing, restorative justice and trauma informed approaches so you can use them confidently

Training is likely to take place away from your home unless you have a training centre near you. You will receive full pay and expenses.

At the end of the training you will be awarded a NVQ Level 3 qualification.

Every new youth justice worker also has an experienced member of staff as a mentor. They are on hand to give support especially during the first weeks of your career.

As part of the youth justice worker role, you must complete the first two modules of a youth justice foundation degree (level five).

You will learn about speech, language and communication needs, and the essential skills for child protection and safeguarding.

You will be given time, support and technology to help you balance your working duties.

You will have the opportunity to continue your professional learning and complete the degree during your career.

All studies are fully funded.